Battle for Mosul Airport Underway

The Associated Press reports today that operations are underway at the Islamic State controlled Mosul International Airport in Iraq. Iraqi forces have taken the runway and IS has retreated to nearby airport buildings as the battle rages. Taking the airport is part of a two pronged attack to push IS fighters out of Mosul. Coalition troops are reportedly behind the advancing Iraqi army but no information is available regarding their nationalities. Iraqi forces took over half of the airport by early afternoon and moved into the Ghazlani military base next to the airport on the southern edge of Mosul. Heavy clashes are still underway inside the base.